Pick a pumpkin - but what kind?  A self-proclaimed Professor of Pumpkinology, John Ackerman is the owner and operator of the farm bearing the same name that has been in his family for over a century.  And while you may hear “pumpkin” and think of the jack-o-lantern variety, he and his wife grow an astounding number of breeds.

While Ackerman has opened his farm to the public each fall for the past 24 years, the long hours and devotion to his land are consistent throughout the off-season.  Pumpkin season may be a given, but the weather can determine great fluctuations in the farm’s income.

A steward of his land, Ackerman shares his concerns with common misconceptions about farming practices.

“While organic food is certainly growing in popularity, I have concerns that its production may be hard on the environment,” says Ackerman.

Listen in for more reasons to eat a greater variety of pumpkins, how they’re grown, and just how many varieties are available.

Learn more about Ackerman and his farm at ackermanfamilyfarmsllc.com.